EU focuses on new members as Trump returns to power

December 29, 2024 — The European Union has announced plans to expand its membership in the next five years. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s return to the White House is raising questions about US foreign policy.

EU looks to Western Balkans

The EU is aiming to welcome new members from the Western Balkans. Marta Kos, the new Commissioner for Enlargement, said that countries must meet strict requirements but added that some could join by 2029.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, called the expansion a “strategic investment” and said clear progress is expected by the end of the EU’s current term. This renewed focus comes after June’s European elections, which kept the European People’s Party as the largest group in Parliament.

On December 1, António Costa, a former Portuguese prime minister, also began his term as President of the European Council.

Trump’s return to power

In the US, Donald Trump returned to the White House after winning the presidential election in November. His campaign did not discuss the Western Balkans, but experts believe his administration might revisit the 2020 Washington Agreement.

The agreement was designed to improve economic ties between Serbia and Kosovo but has not been fully implemented.